Two pedestrians struck by allegedly impaired driver in Medford

Two men are in the hospital after being struck by an allegedly intoxicated driver while crossing a west Medford street Saturday night, police reported.

Two men are in the hospital after being struck by an allegedly intoxicated driver while crossing a west Medford street Saturday night, police reported.

Benjamin Grant Thurman, 32, of the 700 block of West Second Street in Medford, is held in the Jackson County Jail on two charges of third-degree assault, along with additional charges of driving under the influence and reckless driving. Jail records show his bail is set at $57,000.

Police said Thurman was driving north on Columbus Avenue near the Prune Street intersection after 8 p.m. when he struck the two male pedestrians who were trying to cross Columbus. Medford. Thurman remained on scene while Medford police, Medford Fire-Rescue and Mercy Flights responded. Emergency personnel transported both pedestrians to a local hospital. Authorities said they had sustained "significant" injuries. Their conditions and ages are not known.

Police took Thurman to their department where they conducted field sobriety tests, authorities said. He was found to be intoxicated and booked in the jail. The case remains under investigation.